/
ˈaltrʊɪz(ə)m/
n.
selfless concern for the well-being of others.
▸Zoology behaviour of an animal that benefits another at its own expense.
Derivative
- altruist n.
- altruistic adj.
- altruistically adv.
Etymology
C19: from Fr. altruisme, from Ital. altrui ‘somebody else’, from L. alteri huic ‘to this other’.